CrossRoads, Open Range Receive Recognition

Two Indiana RV manufacturers and an industry supplier were honored by the LaGrange County Economic Development Corp. (LCEDC) with “Business Excellence” awards at the organization’s annual Investor’s Meeting on March 8. According to a press release, the meeting was held at the Michiana Event Center in Howe, Ind.

CrossRoads RV and supplier S&H Metals, both based in Topeka, along with Open Range RV Co., Shipshewana, were among the companies presented with the LCEDC recognition. Other firms included Mudd-Ox Inc., Nishikawa Standard/NISCO, Spectrum Finishing. The companies were chosen for their contributions to LaGrange County’s economic growth in 2012 as well as for partnering with the LCDEC to assist them in their business development projects.

“We are honored to be able to work with the companies that were recognized today,” said Keith Gillenwater, president and CEO of the LCDEC. “All of the companies honored today are industries in our core areas of focus for LaGrange County’s current and future economic development, and exemplify the quality of companies that we have in LaGrange County.”

“These six companies have a tremendous economic impact on LaGrange County and are very valued employers,” said Mark Leu, LCDEC chairman. “We developed this award as a way to acknowledge companies who have contributed to our communities continued growth and I cannot think of a more deserving group to recognize.”

In addition to honoring the local companies, the LCEDC also recognized outgoing board members Joe Pierce, Jerry Ankney, and Fred Brown. Special Guest John Stafford of the Community Research Institute at Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne presented a talk on how LaGrange County is faring versus other rural Indiana counties. Gillenwater and Leu also gave reports on the state of the local economy, a recap of the organizations 2012 activities and successes and a preview of projects and priorities for 2013.

“We are off and running with our strategic plan in place that gives us to a call to action, and we believe that 2013 promises to be a great year for our economic development efforts in LaGrange County,” Gillenwater said.